Gambling and gambling-related harm: recent World Health Organization initiatives

Abstract

Objectives: There has been unprecedented growth in commercial gambling. Increasingly gambling has migrated to the Internet and become readily accessible via mobile devices. Gambling disorder and gambling-related harm present a significant global public health challenge. To date, few jurisdictions have included gambling in health policies and addressed gambling-related harm within a comprehensive public health framework. The purpose of this study is to examine recent developments at the global level that may change this.

Study design: This is a narrative review and examination of meeting content and outcomes.

Methods: Relevant literature was reviewed, and the content and outcomes of recent International Think Tank on Gambling Research, Policy and Practice and World Health Organization (WHO) meetings were identified, summarised and discussed.

Results: Although gambling disorder was included in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases in 1975, relatively little attention has been given to assessing wider gambling-related harms and addressing them within a public health framework. In recent years, this has changed with the first gambling studies to use burden of disease methodologies and the development of harm classifications and conceptual frameworks. This research has strengthened calls for gambling to be included in public health agendas. While few member states have done this, in the past few years gambling has received increased attention from the WHO. This includes its placement alongside alcohol and drugs in 2017 and 2019 WHO global forums and annual WHO meetings on public health implications of addictive behaviours. These and planned WHO meetings and activities are laying the groundwork for a WHO international gambling programme and work plan.

Conclusion: A significant start has been made to address gambling disorder and gambling-related harm as an important global health issue. This has potential to encourage member states to explicitly include gambling in national and subnational public health plans. However, this progress may be precarious and is likely to require concerted advocacy and support from academic and other civil society organisations to sustain.

Keywords: Gambling; Gambling-related harm; WHO public health.